ARANA v SOUTHS: Friday March 12 8.30pm at Dawson Pde
Last Encounter: 2003 Finals Week 2: Arana 26 def Souths 18
Head to Head 2001/3: Arana 8 Souths 1
Last Competition Game: Arana: Redlands L 16-22 (2003 Preliminary Final)
Souths: Redcliffe L 12-24 (2003 Finals Week 3)Arana have certainly had the wood over Souths in the last 3 years, with the Magpies only lowering the Panthers colours on one occasion, despite a couple of close results. These two teams met in the first week of the trials with Arana coming away comfortable winners, despite only outscoring Souths in one of the three thirds played that day. Should be a fast open encounter, with Souths looking to shut down the speedy Panther backs.
"The Computer" tips Arana by 12.
REDCLIFFE v LOGAN BROS: Friday March 12 8.30pm at Dolphin Oval
Last Encounter: 2003 Round 11: Logan Bros 22 def Redcliffe 0
Head to Head 2001/3: Redcliffe 5 Logan Bros 4
Last Competition Game: Redcliffe: Arana L 10-20 (2003 Knockout Semi)
Logan Bros: Redlands L 10-20 (2003 Grand Final)Many would be tipping this to be the match of the round and it is hard to disagree. Both these teams have strengthened in the off-season with Redcliffe in particular having plenty to prove after two disappointing seasons. The Dolphin's defence has been the standout feature during the trials, however they have a new-look backline which is sure to cause the Logan boys some worries. Logan Bros were very impressive in their trials as well, with Trent Iselin and Mase Laulu sure to add plenty of attacking flair behind a big pack. Logan Bros look better on paper however the Dolphins are sure to have a hot welcome waiting for them after the long trip to Dolphin.
"The Computer" tips Logan Bros by 6.
EASTS v CENTENARY: Friday March 12 8.30pm at Scott Park
Last Encounter: 2003 Round 17: Easts 32 def Centenary 10
Head to Head 2001/3: Centenary 4 Easts 1
Last Competition Game: Easts: Redcliffe L 12-14 (2003 Finals Week 2)
Centenary: Easts L 10-32 (2003 Round 17)Centenary completed a dismal 2003 with a loss to Easts in Round 17 last year to finish a season ruined by injury and unavailability of key players, after showing so much in 2002 reaching the Preliminary Final. The "other" Panthers have not been stretched in the trials, matching up against lower graded teams, whereas Easts have had two tough hitouts against Logan Bros and Arana, so the Tigers may go in a little more match hardened. Centenary however have picked up some class players in the off-season and will be keen to get 2004 off on the right note. Easts/Centenary clashes have had a bit of fire in the last two seasons and this one should be a real konck-em-down affair, although Centenary's flair may be enough to get them home.
"The Computer" tips Centenary by 12.
SPRINGWOOD v NORTHS: Friday March 12 8.30pm at Tallowood Park
Last Encounter: 2003 Round 15: Redlands 54 def Norths 16
Head to Head 2001/3: Redlands 2 Norths 0
Last Competition Game: Springwood: Logan Bros W 20-10 (2003 Grand Final)
Norths: Easts L 10-21 (2003 Finals Week 1)As mentioned at the top of the page, for review purposes I will consider Springwood and Redlands one and the same team, given the number of players relocating. Whilst weakened from last year, the premiers will still have a class team on the paddock although it will be intersesting to see how they gel early in the year. Norths are another team to have strengthened from last year and may just have caught Springwood at the right time. Springwood however will certainly want to mark their first outing in their new colours with a win, so this should be a great game which could go either way,
"The Computer" tips Springwood by 6.
